And Pharaoh said unto his servants, Can we find such a one as this is, a man in whom the Spirit of God is?

GENESIS 41:38KJV
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Genesis 41:38 (KJV)

What does Genesis 41:38 mean?

Genesis 41:38 shows Pharaoh recognizing that Joseph has an extraordinary ability from God. Pharaoh’s question to his officials presents Joseph as the person best suited for the task ahead.

After Joseph has explained Pharaoh’s dreams and proposed a plan, Pharaoh speaks to his servants. His question, “Can we find such a one as this is,” invites them to consider whether anyone else could match Joseph.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 41:38

  • “Spirit” — רוּחַ (ruach): This word can mean “wind,” “breath,” or “spirit,” depending on the setting. Here Pharaoh uses it to speak of a divine presence in Joseph.
  • “God” — אֱלֹהִים (elohim): This word can refer to God or to gods, depending on the setting. The KJV renders Pharaoh’s phrase “the Spirit of God.”

Why Genesis 41:38 matters

  • Pharaoh’s question prepares for Joseph’s appointment. In verse 40, Pharaoh places Joseph over his household and gives him authority over the people.
  • Joseph’s rise begins with his explanation of the dreams, not with a claim to have wisdom of his own. Earlier, Joseph tells Pharaoh, “God shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace” (verse 16).

Where else these words appear

“this” Hebrew H2088 · used in 37 verses

  • Genesis 5:1 This is the book of the generations of Adam. In the day that God created man, in the likeness of God made he him;
  • Exodus 13:8 And thou shalt shew thy son in that day, saying, This is done because of that which the LORD did unto me when I came forth out of Egypt.
  • 1 Kings 17:24 And the woman said to Elijah, Now by this I know that thou art a man of God, and that the word of the LORD in thy mouth is truth.

“whom” Hebrew H834 · used in 105 verses

  • Genesis 1:7 And God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament: and it was so.
  • Genesis 31:49 And Mizpah; for he said, The LORD watch between me and thee, when we are absent one from another.
  • Deuteronomy 12:2 Ye shall utterly destroy all the places, wherein the nations which ye shall possess served their gods, upon the high mountains, and upon the hills, and under every green tree: